disillusionment

Since being out of the "church bubble", I have begun to see some things clearly. What I see is the source of much disillusionment in me.  My business puts me in contact with people from many walks of life. Unlike when I was pastoring a church, I usually see the "real person". When a pastor,  people usually related to me in a manner that they hoped would impress me with their spirituality.

Now it is different; herein lies that disillusionment. People have no need to attempt to appear spiritual in my presence. Unfortunately I see very little evidence of transformation in the lives of those who would call themselves "Christians". In fact I recently  remarked to Beverly that it is frequently easier to deal with the pagans than the "Christians".

Jesus complimented Nathaniel as a man "in whom is no guile". There was no deceit in Nathaniel. What you saw was what was. Far to many Christians I meet are full of guile. They may be able to quote scripture or to recite their many activities in their church. Yet they are some of the most difficult persons with which to do business.

For me, there is not much that is more offensive than people who hide their self-centered sinfulness behind a verneer of religiousity.